Girardi Re-ups For 4 More Years

Many an incumbent president has had supporters shouting "four more years" during their campaign for a second term. Though no one was shouting it, Joe Girardi, performance willing, will be back for four more years as manager of the New York Yankees.

The Yankees just announced that Girardi has signed a new four year contract that will keep him the Yankees manager through 2017. If Girardi completes the entire contract, the Yankees will have had only two managers from 1996-2017.  An unheard fete during the George Steinbrenner portion of the Steinbrenner era.

Girardi was reportedly torn between returning to the Yankees or going after the vacant Chicago Cubs job in his native state of Illinois.  Principal owner Hal Steinbrenner appeared on the Michael Kay Show on Tuesday and said he felt a decision would be made soon regarding Girardi.

Looking at the history of the Cubs, particularly their lack of success, Girardi knows he has a better chance of winning another World Series with the Yankees than the Cubs have of even making the playoffs

The monetary terms of the deal were not released, but it is believed that Girardi got a healthy raise from the $3MM he made in 2013. Rumor has it that it is $16MM over the four years.

Next up on the docket, Robinson Cano.


Official press release from the Yankees:

The New York Yankees announced today they have re-signed Manager Joe Girardi to a four-year contract, extending through the 2017 season. The 48-year-old Girardi has guided the team to the postseason in four of his six seasons at the helm, winning the franchise’s 27th World Championship in 2009. Under Girardi, the Yankees have gone a Major League-best 564-408 (.580) since 2008. 

Over his first six years as manager of the Yankees (2008-13), the club has led the Majors in home runs (1,236), while ranking second in runs scored (4,884) and seventh in hits (8,836) and batting average (.265). The Yankees have also committed the fewest errors (484) in the Majors over the span, with a Major League-high .986 team fielding percentage. 

In 2013, Girardi guided the Yankees to an 85-77 finish, tied with Baltimore for the third-best record in the American League East. He recorded his 500th win as Yankees manager on May 10 at Kansas City in his 844th game as skipper of the club, becoming the fifth-fastest manager in club history to reach the milestone behind Casey Stengel (790 games), Joe McCarthy (796 games), Joe Torre (833 games) and Miller Huggins (833 games). The club made just 69 errors in 2013, the third-lowest total in the Majors and tying the franchise record for fewest in a season (also 2010). Their .988 fielding percentage set a new franchise record, fractionally better than their .988 mark in 2010. 

That Other NY Team

The NY Mets prolonged managerial search appears to be over. Ken Rosenthal reports that the Mets have selected Terry Collins as their new man. Collins was one of four finalists along with Wally Backman, Bob Melvin, and Chip Hale.

Collins has two previous managerial stints in the majors - the Houston Astros from 1994-1996 and with the Anaheim Angels from 1997-1999. His teams finished second all three years in Houston and he had two second place finishes with the Angels before being fired during the 1999 season. That team finished in 4th place.

The 61-yr old also spent two plus seasons managing in Japan and spent last season as the Mets minor league coordinator.

Girardi Loses Bargaining Chip

Joe Girardi has more than enough on his plate tonight- his team is down two games to one in the ALCS and A.J. Burnett is starting for the Yankees- but the Yankees manager lost a big bargaining chip for his future today.

That's because the Chicago Cubs announced that they are making interim manager Mike Quade the full time manager for 2011. Girardi certainly had to have his interest piqued having been born and raised, gone to college, and having played in the area, when Lou Piniella announced his intention to retire at season's end. But because Piniella left early, Quade got a chance to show what he can do and the Cubs front office was apparently impressed by it. They gave their new head man a two year deal with an option for 2013.

Girardi had downplayed his interest all season, preffering to concentrate on this season, answering questions about his future only when the Yankees were in the windy city to play the White Sox.

The odds still say that Girardi remains Yankees manager in 2011. Now if there were only some better odds on starting A.J. Burnett.

The Buck Stops in Baltimore

The Baltimore Orioles finally have a new manager. Former Yankees (1992-19195) skipper Buck Showalter is said to be taking over the Orioles next week. The O's have been looking for a new permanent manager since canning Dave Trembley on June 4.

After some long negotiations with Bobby Valentine, the O's turned their focus on Showalter, who hasn't worn the managers uniform since running the Texas Rangers from 2003-2006.

Showalter, who also managed the Diamondbacks (1998-2000), has a career record of 313-268.

RIP Ralph Houk

Unbelievable. Seriously. Unbelievable. They say it happens in threes. That's all you ever hear. And damn it even though I don't know who they are, they're right.

Long time Yankees manager, general manager, and player Ralph Houk has passed away at the age of 90.

"The Major" was the first Yankees manager that I can remember. He initially had managed the team from 1961 thru 1963, winning two World Series and one pennant. He took over as skipper again 20 games into the 1966 season and would remain the Yankees main man through 1973, the first year of George Steinbrenner's ownership. It only took him one year, but Houk could see how things would play out under Steinbrenner and resigned on September 20, 1973.

Houk wasn't out of the game long, taking over the Detroit Tigers the following spring. He would manage in the Motor City for five years. After a couple of years off, Houk had his final managing stint with the Boston Red Sox from 1981 to 1984. He won 1,619 games (.514 winning pct.) over parts of 20 seasons.

Houk earned his nickname from his days in the service where he rose from private to the rank of major. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Bronze Star for his action in World War II.

Houk's playing career as a backup catcher was limited to just 91 games, but he was part of championship teams in 1947 and 1949-1953. He retired following the 1954 season and became a bullpen coach and manager in training for Casey Stengel. Between his manging stints with NY he served as the team's general manager.

He was fiery competitor that was infamous for his knockdown, drag out arguments with umpires. A good debate usually included kicking dirt on home plate/base and/or the umpire and flinging his cap. He never got cheated when discussing a call.

Houk's final stop in his baseball career was in the front office of the Minnesota Twins from 1986-1989. He earned his third World Series ring when the Twins captured the title in 1987.

Ralph Houk was one of the true characters of the game and he will be missed. Our condolences to his family.

Torre to Manage Dodgers

The Journal News is reporting tonight that Joe Torre has agreed to manage the LA Dodgers next season and Don Mattingly will join him as bench coach. An announcement could come as soon as tomorrow.

The Dodgers had to buy out current manager, Grady Little, who lost his last job with the Red Sox, in part, due to Joe Torre.

Source

Torre to Manage Dodgers

The Journal News is reporting tonight that Joe Torre has agreed to manage the LA Dodgers next season and Don Mattingly will join him as bench coach. An announcement could come as soon as tomorrow.

The Dodgers had to buy out current manager, Grady Little, who lost his last job with the Red Sox, in part, due to Joe Torre.

Source

Sign in Triplicate Please

Joe Girardi will be the next manager of the New York Yankees. According to several sources, the Yankees officially made a contract offer to GI Joe. The contract will be for 3 years, with the money ranging from a reported 4.5 to 6 million in total.

Where does leave Don Mattingly? Possibly in Los Angeles. The Dodgers are reportedly working on a buy out of Grady Little and then will offer a deal to Joe Torre. If that happens, there's a good chance Mattingly could end up on Torre's staff.

Sign in Triplicate Please

Joe Girardi will be the next manager of the New York Yankees. According to several sources, the Yankees officially made a contract offer to GI Joe. The contract will be for 3 years, with the money ranging from a reported 4.5 to 6 million in total.

Where does leave Don Mattingly? Possibly in Los Angeles. The Dodgers are reportedly working on a buy out of Grady Little and then will offer a deal to Joe Torre. If that happens, there's a good chance Mattingly could end up on Torre's staff.

The Manager is...

JoeDon Girardingly...or is it DonJoe Mattinardi? Depending on whose opinion you read, Don Mattingly will definitely be the next manager of the Yankees. Or Joe Girardi is definitely the next manager. The King and his pretenders to the throne, related and unrelated, need to make an announcement soon so that the collective press can stop spinning their wheels.

Brian Cashman knows how much Don Mattingly means to the Yankees tradition, so he's behind Mattingly for manager.

Brian Cashman knows the Yankees need an experienced guy who knows about decision making and leading a team, so he's clearly backing Joe Girardi.

And so it goes.

Whomever is named manager will be subject to a plethora of second guessing once the season starts, as will ownership. Get off to a good start, we told you we picked the right guy. Get off to a bad start, we told you, you should have picked the other guy.

As of early Sunday, neither Mattingly or Girardi had been contacted by the Yankees. At least that is what their public response is. With the World Series a very strong possibility to end this evening, the announcement of the new manager could come as early as tomorrow.

The Manager is...

JoeDon Girardingly...or is it DonJoe Mattinardi? Depending on whose opinion you read, Don Mattingly will definitely be the next manager of the Yankees. Or Joe Girardi is definitely the next manager. The King and his pretenders to the throne, related and unrelated, need to make an announcement soon so that the collective press can stop spinning their wheels.

Brian Cashman knows how much Don Mattingly means to the Yankees tradition, so he's behind Mattingly for manager.

Brian Cashman knows the Yankees need an experienced guy who knows about decision making and leading a team, so he's clearly backing Joe Girardi.

And so it goes.

Whomever is named manager will be subject to a plethora of second guessing once the season starts, as will ownership. Get off to a good start, we told you we picked the right guy. Get off to a bad start, we told you, you should have picked the other guy.

As of early Sunday, neither Mattingly or Girardi had been contacted by the Yankees. At least that is what their public response is. With the World Series a very strong possibility to end this evening, the announcement of the new manager could come as early as tomorrow.

A Name with a Spark

One name you don't hear brought up too often when teams are looking for manager is Sparky Lyle. The former Cy Young (to Sayonora) winner has managed the Somerset Patriots of the independent Atlantic League since 1998. He's won 3 pennants and has good success in terms of players getting deals with major league affiliates.

Sparky was one of the biggest characters to ever don a Yankees uniform and his performance on the field was outstanding. He helped turned the poor 1970s teams into pennant contenders and champions.

It's possible that Sparky doesn't want to manage at the big league level, but it would be cool if the Yankees considered him. Then again, King George may still be upset about, "The Bronx Zoo". At the very least some consideration for a bench coach position should be given.

A Name with a Spark

One name you don't hear brought up too often when teams are looking for manager is Sparky Lyle. The former Cy Young (to Sayonora) winner has managed the Somerset Patriots of the independent Atlantic League since 1998. He's won 3 pennants and has good success in terms of players getting deals with major league affiliates.

Sparky was one of the biggest characters to ever don a Yankees uniform and his performance on the field was outstanding. He helped turned the poor 1970s teams into pennant contenders and champions.

It's possible that Sparky doesn't want to manage at the big league level, but it would be cool if the Yankees considered him. Then again, King George may still be upset about, "The Bronx Zoo". At the very least some consideration for a bench coach position should be given.

Donnie Baseball Steps Up to the Plate

Don Mattingly completed his lengthy interview with the Tampa boys yesterday. Click here to hear his post-interview press conference with reporters.

Tony Pena gets his turn today, and unless there's candidates we don't know about, that's it for the "process".

Donnie Baseball Steps Up to the Plate

Don Mattingly completed his lengthy interview with the Tampa boys yesterday. Click here to hear his post-interview press conference with reporters.

Tony Pena gets his turn today, and unless there's candidates we don't know about, that's it for the "process".

Now Batting, #23, Don Mattingly, #23

Don Mattingly gets his turn before the Yankees brass today in the interview "process". I cringe every time I hear that word. Joe Girardi met with the suits yesterday for about 5 hours. He and Brian Cashman met with King George at the royal palace between 2 meetings at Legends Field.

The plan is for each of the candidates to do a Q&A with reporters in the evening. Girardi came off very polished and sincere in answering each of the questions posed to him. You can go to Pete Abraham's blog to hear the full audio.

Now Batting, #23, Don Mattingly, #23

Don Mattingly gets his turn before the Yankees brass today in the interview "process". I cringe every time I hear that word. Joe Girardi met with the suits yesterday for about 5 hours. He and Brian Cashman met with King George at the royal palace between 2 meetings at Legends Field.

The plan is for each of the candidates to do a Q&A with reporters in the evening. Girardi came off very polished and sincere in answering each of the questions posed to him. You can go to Pete Abraham's blog to hear the full audio.

Bowa Out of the Picture

Source

Manager John McLaren says he is "very close" to finalizing his coaching staff.

From all indications, Mel Stottlemyre will become the pitching coach, Eddie Rodriguez the first-base coach, Norm Charlton the bullpen coach, Jim Riggleman the bench coach, and probably Larry Bowa the third-base coach.

The Mariners are expected to name the entire staff when all the pieces are in place. As of Thursday night, all but one of the selections had been finalized.

Bowa Out of the Picture

Source

Manager John McLaren says he is "very close" to finalizing his coaching staff.

From all indications, Mel Stottlemyre will become the pitching coach, Eddie Rodriguez the first-base coach, Norm Charlton the bullpen coach, Jim Riggleman the bench coach, and probably Larry Bowa the third-base coach.

The Mariners are expected to name the entire staff when all the pieces are in place. As of Thursday night, all but one of the selections had been finalized.

Fall Out Boys

The repercussions from yesterday's poor attempt to sway Joe Torre into returning are already being felt. The Yankees brain trust, and we use that term lightly, is taking a beating today, from both the media and from the fans. The family von Steinbrenner and Jeri-curl Randy Levine fooled no one with their "respectable" contract offer to Joe Torre.

We said before the season that it was time for a change. That the Yankees were going as far as they could with Joe Torre at the helm, and we still feel that way. But we also know what Joe Torre did for the franchise. Not since the 1950s had a manager won 4 world series in 5 years. And yes, he was handed the players by George Steinbrenner, but he still knew how to cajole, manipulate, ride, appease his way to one division title and one playoff berth year after year.

If the Yankees really wanted Torre back they simply would have guaranteed him 7 or 8 million for next year. Why should a guy who has made 12 straight playoff appearances have to hit incentives? The anti-Torre sect's argument of, "Hey, I work for a living, and I don't get my money handed to me", is absurd, because no one ever mistook sports for real life. As Peter Abraham shrewdly pointed out, look at the percentage of the pay cut instead of the actual dollars. If you are a financial analyst making 50 grand a year and for 2008, your boss says, your salary next year will be $32,500 with the chance to earn 50 grand, would you be happy? We didn't think so.

For the pro-Torre faction, you should remember what happened in 1995. Fans were furious at the handling of Buck Showalter. We were even more furious when Joe Torre was hired (you know you were). The headlines screaming today that Joe got screwed were the same ones that called him "Clueless Joe" back then. So keep in mind that this may work out all right.

We'll hear Torre's side of things today on a 2:00 conference call that will be carried by ESPN and other outlets (we're sure WFAN will carry it).

So what happens now? Obviously the first matter at hand is finding a manager, and doing it quickly with pending free agents. Brian Cashman can drone on all he wants to about "the process", but the Yankees need to move quickly for damage control.

The Candidates

Don Mattingly - Says he's not ready, though he denied that. We don't think he's ready either.

Joe Girardi - We would love to see him in there, but the front office is supposedly concerned about Girardi's control freak personality.

Trey Hillman - He was highly thought of while managing in the Yankees farm system and is currently managing in Japan. But do you really see a non-experienced guy, other than Mattingly, being hired?

Larry Bowa - We've never loved him as a manager, but he did do a great job as 3rd Base coach and working with the infielders, especially Robinson Cano. We would like to see him get a 2 year deal, with Mattingly staying on as bench coach, set to take over in 2010 (in 2009 if Bowa spits the bit next year).

Tony Pena - Did a good job in KC before quickly resigning. That may have left a smudge on his resume. We would like to see him stay on the staff though. It could certainly help in trying to get Jorge Posada to re-sign.

Bobby Valentine - Smug. Arrogant. Self-centered. NOT the right man for the job.

We won't even mention the bad haired, DUI guy in St. Louis.

Free Agent Impact

We've been really surprised at the reaction of the fans towards mainstays like Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada for their allegiance to Torre. Mariano was already feeling bitter towards the Yankees for not giving him an extension prior to the '07 season. The handling of Torre didn't help the Yankees cause any. Andy Pettitte has a big decision ahead of him. Will Pettitte's decision be swayed by a new manager coming in?

Forget about what A-Rod has to say. He professed his love for Torre after the ALDS, but do you think it's genuine? Torre batted the man 8th in the '06 ALDS. A-Rod and Boras will go where the money is. Period.

This is why the Yankees have to get a manager that will help get these free agents to come back.

What remains to be seen is whether or not this will be the winter of our discontent.